Stray cats are animals that survive in urban and rural environments, far from humans, often as victims of abandonment or simply because they were born in uncontrolled feline colonies. Although more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of caring for and sterilizing these felines, the problem of stray cats remains a global challenge.
If you're considering helping a stray cat, whether to provide medical care, find a home, or improve its quality of life, knowing how to safely capture it is critical. Below, we'll explain in detail all the steps and considerations necessary to achieve this.
Why is it important to capture a stray cat?
Trapping stray cats is not just for the purpose of solving individual problems, but is an action that can have a long-term impact on feline population control and animal welfare. Some of the main reasons include:
- Sterilization and birth control: By trapping and sterilizing cats, feline colonies are prevented from growing out of control.
- Medical attention: Stray cats are often sick or injured. Capturing them allows them to receive the treatment they need.
- Improving coexistence: Reducing the number of stray cats helps improve the relationship between feline colonies and urban environments.
Preparations before capturing a stray cat
Before you try to catch a stray cat, it's crucial to be prepared. This doesn't just involve having the proper equipment, but also have the necessary information to guarantee the safety of both the animal and the people involved.
Know the status of the cat
Before taking action, discreetly observe the cat to determine if it is healthy, injured or sick. Some signs to look out for include:
- Coat appearance: A dirty, unkempt coat can be a sign of illness.
- Unusual behavior: If your cat is drooling, breathing heavily, or moving erratically, he or she may be sick.
- Possible zoonoses: Some diseases such as rabies can be transmitted to humans, so it is always advisable to take extreme precautions.
In case of suspicion of dangerous diseases such as rabies, it is best to contact animal control or specialized professionals. Learn more about How to identify if a cat has rabies.
Prepare the right equipment
To safely capture the cat, you will need:
- Trap cage: It is the most effective and safe tool to catch stray cats without harming them.
- Leather gloves: They protect your hands in case the cat tries to defend itself.
- Attractive food: Use foods that are especially palatable to cats, such as wet food or tuna.
If you do not have a cage trap, you can purchase one from specialist shops or borrow one from animal protection associations.
How to catch a stray cat step by step
Capturing a stray cat can take time and patience. Here are the most effective steps:
1. Gain their trust
Most stray cats are wary of humans, especially if they have had bad experiences. To gain their trust:
- Approach slowly and without sudden movements.
- Don't try to touch the cat right away; let it notice your presence and get used to it.
- Speak in a soft tone or whisper so as not to scare him.
If you are feeding a feline colony, consult How to get a license to feed stray cats.
2. Use food as bait
Place a food source near the cat and gradually reduce the distance until it is close enough to be caught.
If your cat doesn't respond to food or is scared, you can use a trap cage. Place tempting food, such as canned tuna, inside to attract your cat.
3. Management of cage traps
Cage traps are especially useful for catching cats that won't let you get close. Here are some tips:
- Place the cage in a place where the cat frequently passes through.
- Lightly camouflage the cage with branches or blankets without blocking its functionality.
- Check the cage regularly to prevent the cat from being trapped for too long.
4. What to do after catching it
Once you have captured the cat:
- Cover the cage: Use a blanket or cloth to cover the cage and reduce stress.
- Take him to the vet: It is essential to have him checked by a professional to rule out diseases and, if possible, spayed or neutered.
Important precautions when capturing stray cats
Capturing a stray cat can be a challenging and sometimes dangerous task. To avoid accidents:
- Do not attempt to handle the cat directly without protective gloves.
- Keep the cat separate from your pets until it is fully checked by a veterinarian.
- Avoid cornering the cat, as this can trigger aggressive reactions.
If you have questions about how to help stray cats, we recommend reading This guide on how to help stray cats.
It is important to remember that not every cat we find on the street needs to be rescued. Before taking action, try to determine if it is a feral cat, a lost domestic cat, or simply an owned cat that enjoys walking the streets. If you decide to help a stray cat, it is essential to do so responsibly and with commitment, ensuring both the animal's well-being and your own.
Success in capturing a stray cat will depend on your patience, preparation and knowledge. By taking the right measures, you will not only be saving a life, but also contributing to improving the relationship between humans and animals in your community.
There are 2 times that in a short time I have met two cats, in different places of the population.
They had almost certainly been abandoned, they were both male, and in heat. I was very sorry, because one was getting cold, you could tell that he was home, he was well cared for, he approached me meowing, he was affectionate, poor thing.
Since I'm 9 now, I couldn't rescue him, so I reported it to a patrol car that I saw in the area.
The other was also in heat, he was under a car because it was raining, he also seemed well cared for.
I mentioned this to the protector of El Prat.
The area where they helped me catch the cat that I have, was a place where many trucks from a construction site passed by. There are several cats there, which go from a field to some orchards.
We had brought them food at one time, we felt panic every time one of those trucks passed, even the ground shook when they passed, I turned my back in case I ran over a cat, one was almost caught by a car, he turned the wheel to a span of it. I have never understood why some people speed up when they see a cat.
Some men said that there were many, who sometimes gave them food when they entered their yard. I asked them to help me get one for my daughter. They put ham in a fruit box as a trap and this cat fell, which I had already seen eating. He has an almost identical brother (he is the one who almost ran over the car), some month ago I still saw him there. The protector is already up to date, but that is what happens, the cats that are wild, some can be tamed and others not. This one is distrustful, but she allows herself to be caressed, brushed, which she loves, but not held in her arms.
One of his sons, the "Balinese" is so, so calm, that we call him the rubber cat, my daughter takes it, puts it around her scarf and does not flinch. You hug her like this or like that and she stays so calm. The funny thing is that in front of strangers he hardly lets himself be caught.
In another place there was a mother with 4 kittens, many people visited them to feed them, it was sad to see the little kittens, but they were afraid, and when the people who fed them usually approached them, they hid.
I contacted a former protector, I told her that next to the Decathlon of Villanova i la Geltrú, there is a very large pet store, where they have a cage with kittens to adopt. They could have been taken and brought there. I don't know what was done in the end.
What is clear is that giving them food is the best way for them to be your friends and want to come with you. Then you have to take them to the vet for review and everything you need. I put a chip on mine, she stopped being a street woman 😉 she already has a home, sweet home.
When it rains, I look at her and tell her; How nice are you here huh? And close your eyes nodding.
Yes, it can be quite an odyssey to catch a cat, whether it is a stray adult or still a puppy. But in the end, if that cat has to be for you, it will only be a matter of time before it gets caught. 🙂